We all know the struggles of being a Kansan, but have we all experienced the same things? These 13 thoughts are just some of the many that pour through our minds as we grow up here in the Sunflower State.
1. Yes, I've seen it.
Kansans everywhere moan and groan as soon as this movie is brought up. Out-of-towners always ask, as if we weren't living with constant remarks of "So everything isn't sepia?" and "We're not in Kansas anymore!" It gets old quick!
2. Days without wind are a myth.
We've got all sorts of wind. Breezes, blusters, polar vortexes, and sometimes a stray dust storm. A day without wind is as rare as the Cubs winning the world series.
3. The landscape is so flat, I can see for miles.
Flat as a pancake, we all say! Though it does make the horizon a little boring for road trips (nap time!) it just leaves more room for sky! Plus, there's the benefit of knowing exactly how far away you are from the next town over, because you can probably see it from where you started.
4. When it comes to weather, Kansas does it big.
With winds come storms, and boy do we see plenty of those. The sky turns yellow, sometimes green, and the heavy black clouds roll through. Maybe it will rain all day, maybe only ten minutes. Maybe we'll get golf ball sized hail, maybe flurries, who knows? It's a game of surprises here in the sunflower state!
5. Usually a false alarm...
When it isn't storming, you might just hear the true call of our people: the tornado siren. Every week like clockwork these are tested, because with Kansas's weather schedule, who really knows when one will strike?
6. Tornadoes mean go outside!
Though our parents usually tell us to run and hide, a tornado siren during a storm means go outside! If you grew up like I did, chasing storms is a sport and the best shot of the day wins.
7. This type of weather drags on forever!
Some like it hot, some like it cold, but no one likes it back and forth for over six months! From October until April, sometimes May, we get to deal with road slush and a spring that just won't stick. Then, out of nowhere, it's summer! What's the deal?
8. Isn't it always on sale?
Living in the Midwest means many things, most of them being lots of small towns, and lots of farmland. Local grocery stores always are stocked and ready with plenty of corn on the cob, year round! Did anyone else notice the seemingly endless supply?
9. Driving behind one of these...
...or one of these.
If you're going out of town (or into town) there's a fair chance you'll get slowed down one way or another. Between tractors, combines, and cow trailers, your drive is bound to be filled with funny smells and less-than-funny speeds.
10. This creature is the face of death itself.
Speaking of driving, Kansans are taught from a young age to fear the almighty deer. Hitting one of these can happen at any time of day, and the results can range from minor dents to a hospital stay.
11. These guys are in every parade!
Driving in almost every parade (and boy, are there lots of parades here) are the Shriners. Each member wears a fez, and they drive around in funny shaped tiny cars meant for tricks. Who remembers seeing these?
12. This is puppy chow and it is amazing.
Puppy chow, or 'muddy buddies' as others may call it, is a favorite treat seen at many a gathering. Chex, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar come together to create this delicious snack we can't keep our hands off of. What are your thoughts on this scrumptious staple?
13. It's 'pop' not 'soda'.
I don't know how many times I've had the argument with friends; carbonated, sugary drinks are called pop. If it's called soda, it's probably just sparkling water! How many of you Kansans learned it as 'pop'?
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